Clothesmaking: All Abilities

Fee information. Click here for eligibility details (opens in a new window).

£124.00 Half fee available. Course symbols: CL

Course description

Learn how to make your own clothes using the sewing machine and choose patterns and fabric. Suitable for complete beginners or those who are looking to refresh their clothes making skills.

Entry requirements

a) Basic hand and machine sewing skills preferred but an interest in sewing essential! b) We provide sewing machines but you are welcome to bring your own. A machine at home is essential to practise and develop your skills.

What you will learn

For all ability levels whether you just want to get started with your machine, improve and learn more, or refresh those rusty sewing skills. You will be given guidance how to select an appropriate garment and fabric of own choice, an explanation of how to identify correct pattern size and modify if required. Students will be introduced to: pattern symbols, how to lay, mark and cut fabric correctly. Group demonstrations of construction methods, together with individual support and guidance. You will be instructed how to use your machine to sew different seams, insert zips, apply interfacing, use an overlocker and use professional finishing techniques. You will learn: How to accurately take body measurements. - How to use a commercial pattern - How to make simple pattern modifications. - Fabric types, properties and selecting appropriate fabrics. - How to lay and cut pattern and fabric. - Pattern symbols and sewing terminology. - How to use your sewing machine. - Sewing a variety of seams. - How to use an overlocker. - How to insert zips. - Application and use of interfacing. - Tips for professional construction and finishing techniques.

How you will learn on this course

Learners will be given group demonstrations of techniques, supported by diagrams and instruction sheets and PowerPoint. Also resources provided on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and links to online resources and tutorials. Individual guidance will be given and support, appropriate to skill level.

How you will be assessed on this course

1. Use a tape measure to take accurate body measurements and identify correct pattern size. 2. Make simple alterations to a commercial pattern. 3. Identify pattern symbols their meanings and use in garment construction. Use and explain sewing terminology. 4. Confidently thread a machine and sew different seams. 5. Utilise correct machine feet to insert zips or make buttonholes. 6. Neaten edges with an overlocker. Apply a variety of sewing techniques to construct a garment of own choice.

Qualification and exam information (only for courses leading to a qualification)

None.

What you will be expected to do outside your lesson time

A machine at home is essential to practise and develop skills.

What you need for your course

You may also wish to purchase extra machine feet attachments for your machine, as they are introduced onto course. You will need to provide fabric, thread, trims, zips and interfacing as required.

What you need to bring to the first class

Sewing machine, if use of own preferred, basic inexpensive model is fine. A commercial pattern suitable to skill level. For absolute beginners a simple skirt is advised. Fabric you’d like to use, scour charity shops and boot fairs for second hand fabrics and curtains, you do not need to buy expensive fabrics! Ideally beginners will make a practise garment first with cheap fabric. If unsure guidance will be given by tutor. Basic sewing kit: Fabric scissors, paper scissors, sewing scissors, pins, hand sewing needles, unpicker, tape measure, thread, any odd trims, ruler, pencil, pen, notebook.

What you can do next

Pattern Cutting. Need to up skill in Maths, English and Digital Skills – look at our Level 1/2 Functional Skills, GCSE and Digital Skills course offer. We also offer courses and one to one training on iPads/tablets, iPhones and laptops.

Additional information

At the beginning of the course, you will have an induction to the College and the course. Your tutor will ask you to complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and agree your personal learning goals. All documents are a requirement of the Funding Agency. All students on courses funded by the ESFA must complete a Learning Agreement and ILP.